Yep. And I wonder how many engines they seized determining their map. We had a project to go EFI but in the mean time came up with a rpm/power curve for our flight control computer. Rotor speed would come up as you pulled collective to lift. Determining that relationship (speed vs throttle) took us quite a few sieze events. We had a tech working almost full time rehoning jugs and replacing pistons on engines that had "defined a new avoid range".

Yep. And I wonder how many engines they seized determining their map. We had a project to go EFI but in the mean time came up with a rpm/power curve for our flight control computer. Rotor speed would come up as you pulled collective to lift. Determining that relationship (speed vs throttle) took us quite a few sieze events. We had a tech working almost full time rehoning jugs and replacing pistons on engines that had "defined a new avoid range".

Does mosquito require rotor pilot license?

Todd,
Single helicopter right? If I'm not mistaken this is what an airline pilot near me built. After he learned to fly it with engine it came with he found an APU to install in its place. He designed both a fuel controller and gear box for it and has been flying it. Goes over 100mph. Has won awards at OSH. Amazing machine.

He and his Dad manufacture and sell speed options for C180/185's. I can ask his Dad if it's for sale. More to the story of flying in this family. Amazing like many others in aviation.

The XEL - definitely not since it is considered an ultralight - you don't need any license.

The others: Depends on how it is certified. The guys at Mosquito supposedly have a DAR that certifies the machine as "Experimental Amateur Built" with no designation as to the Category of aircraft. You only need an airmans certificate and the cat does not matter. My Helicycle was certified the same way. It had no cat, just EAB, so I was legal to fly with my CMEL.

I have been looking at rotary flight for a while. I really like the Safari too. 2 seats would be more fun than this. Seems well made; I took a test flight at OSH and really liked the bird but know nothing about this aspect of aviation.

Nice article in this months "Sport Aviation". Makes me want to try flying one.

Same here. Looks like wicked fun.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/UjGrBlpIEBI[/youtube]

What about the Rotorways? I have lusted over them for 20+ years.

FWIW; B. J. Schramm was the guy behind both Rotorway and now Helicycle.

Me? I am not good enough ... to fly a low-interia rotor system.

The Mosquito and similar is what prompted me to take some heli lessons last year. I stopped an hour or so before soloing when I checked on renters insurance and it was $7,500+ per year on a Schweizer 300.

I thought the only Mosquito that did not require a rotary license was the one with floats. I figure if you aren’t ready or have a rotary license then you probably don’t need to be flying one of these either.

Yieks! What is owners insurance on these aircraft for student pilots?

That’s obscene! How does anyone actually think that sounds OK?

Most of these are insured by Charles Darwin & Associates

A business associate with a long standing love of helos (and only a couple hours in his log book) came "this close" to pulling the trigger on a fresh-out-of-rebuild R44.

Purchase price in mid $300s was not out of reach for him, but $29k insurance quote gave him pause. He did not move forward. This was maybe a year and a half ago?